Everybody Wins! improves literacy, influences lives

I’ve written before about the great work done by Everybody Wins!, a wonderful literacy organization that brings adults into schools to read aloud to children, teaching them the joy of the written word.

As a former teacher, and as a public servant, I know that improving literacy and sparking children’s interest in reading at an early age are vital to their futures.  So much of the information available to us--as citizens, as students, as job-seekers, and as leaders--requires the ability to read.

Reading an old favorite, The Little Engine That Could at an Everybody Wins! event

And last night, I was excited to have the opportunity to honor the great work of Everybody Wins! in pursuit of that important literacy mission when I attended its 17th Annual Gala Celebration.

In my 13 years as a mentor with Everybody Wins!, I saw firsthand the difference that reading aloud with children can make in their struggle to learn to read on their own.  The experience was incredibly rewarding, and I was proud to see the students’ literacy skills improve from week to week, and year to year.

So imagine my surprise when, last night, I was reunited with one of the students I worked with in the program 15 years ago, Ashley Walton.  I read to Ashley as part of the program while she was in the first through third grades, and now she's a college graduate.

During last night’s celebration, Ashley spoke about how much Everybody Wins! meant to her.  In fact, she was so inspired by the program that, after graduating from Spelman College, she decided to give back to the community by joining the AmeriCorps program.

It was great to see Ashley again – of course, she is no longer the young child I knew many years ago, but she has grown into a bright, motivated young woman.

And I know that, thanks to the dedicated individuals who volunteer with Everybody Wins!, thousands of other kids are given the same opportunity to reach their full potential.

I encourage everyone who can to become involved with Everybody Wins!  The difference that the program makes is truly immeasurable. Just ask Ashley Walton.

Comments

[Magento]

the everybody wins program is so nice, I hope to see it in the whole country! Its so important to read, and our kids definitely need a solid base on this!

[Mike of Tallahassee fl]

It's good to see people promoting literacy to the young minds. Everybody wins - perfect fit.

On the other hand, improve literacy indeed! there are still a lot of people in the world who can't read and write, not because they're disabled but because they can't afford education. The thing is that it's too hard to find free education these days, unless a person is exceptionally smart to get some scholarships.. sad thing for those who can't..